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Summer and March Break Computer Camps
The Summer and March Break Computer Camps at Tutorwiz Education Centre are designed to be both fun and educational.
Throughout the camp, students learn ways to improve their overall performance in school. Whether we’re investigating ways to use assistive educational computer programs effectively or learning new learning strategies, the material will be of benefit to every student.
Every session is comprised of the following six modules:
Learning Strategies
Students will discuss factors which affect the effectiveness of their study time. Factors such as: environment, time of day, length of study sessions, distractions, etc. are all discussed by the class. Students will be taught how to work more efficiently.
Effective Use of Assistive Educational Software
Many times we have seen both educators and students become totally frustrated when attempting to use the various assistive educational computer programs, even though these can be highly effective for students with learning disabilities.
Frustration normally happens because of lack of familiarity with the programs. Individuals must receive proper training in order to use these programs effectively and avoid the frustration.
During the camp we study programs such as:
Kurzweil 3000, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Inspiration, Smart Ideas, WordQ, etc.
Interface between Assistive Educational Programs and Microsoft Office
Most of the assistive educational programs we study interface with Microsoft Office in one way or another. During the camp, students learn what these interfaces are and how to use them.
Introduction to MS Word & Powerpoint
Microsoft Office is the most widely used suite of programs in the workplace today. It is becoming increasingly important that job seekers know how to use these programs. In school, especially in college or university, MS Word is the program most students use when preparing papers. Therefore, being familiar with these programs is a definite asset. During the camp we take an introductory look at MS Word. Also during the camp, students will develop fully animated Powerpoint presentations including sound and videos which will be showcased on Friday afternoon.
Introduction to Web Site Development
Most institutions and many individuals have web sites. Hundreds of companies have sprung up that will design, create, maintain and host web sites for a fee . In many cases these companies employ young people with strong technical skills. During the camp we will take a look at the steps required to create a web site: Design of the site, design and layout of each page, programming, etc.
Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fun and learning is what our camps are all about. Games, movies and other fun packed activities are an integral part of every camp. Students will design and print their own business cards and address labels, participate in internet scavenger hunts, etc.
Assistive Educational Programs
At our computer camps the focus is on assistive educational software, MS Word and Powerpoint. The assistive educational computer programs are specifically developed to enhance students’ functional capabilities. With the help of these programs many students are able to:
- Work independently
- Complete homework on their own
- Fully participate in the classroom
- Demonstrate their knowledge
- Greatly improve their literary skills
Drew Strachan, a secondary school student who had trouble reading stated, “It (assistive educational technology) helps me keep up in class, saves me a lot of time and has increased my reading speed. Now a college career seems possible”1
1 Source: Assistive Technologies in the Classroom, Denise Dennis, on assignment with Canada's SchoolNet
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